Gboyega Akinsanmi
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, and his Kebbi State counterpart, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, yesterday unveiled Lagos-Kebbi Rice (LAKE Rice), which would cost N12,000 per 50kilogram bag.
The duo unveiled the rice at the State House, Alausa nine months after the governments of the two state signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to produce 70 per cent of Nigeria’s rice requirement.
After unveiling the rice, Ambode said the development was a great and historic moment for both states and Nigeria, noting that the rice “will not only be sold at a highly reduced price, compared to what obtains in the market, but is also very fresh and safe for consumption.
“Today is an historic day for Lagos and Kebbi States. In March 2016, we signed an MOU with an understanding that we, being proudly Nigeria, want to come out with what is made in Nigeria and what is good for Nigeria.
“We took all that President Muhammadu Buhari said we need to grow our food and we decided that we will prove a point and that is what today is all about. LAKE RICE is of good quality.”
“The major difference between LAKE RICE and the ones imported is that the imported has a minimum storage of five to six years storage life span, but LAKE RICE is fresh,” explained.
Ambode explained that the partnership would in the nearest future lead to an expansion of production of the rice, saying that Lagos has the largest consumption market.”
He thus gave price breakdown, noting that 50kilogram “will cost N12,000; 25 kilogram will go for N6, 000 and 10kg for N2, 500. For now, an individual will only be allowed to purchase a bag to enable it go round.
He also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for supporting the partnership between Lagos and Kebbi, just as he disclosed that the federal government has donated two rice mills to the state government to increase production of rice in 2017.
Also speaking, Bagudu explained how the collaboration started with a discussion between him and Ambode during a meeting in Abuja, saying the partnership was a confirmation of both state governments’ commitment to the agenda of making Nigeria a big market in Africa.
He said while Kebbi “has comparative advantage in of rice production, Lagos boasts of the largest consumption market. The LAKE RICE can stand any integrity test in Nigeria.
“Our rice is of quality. I am proud of this joint venture. We can do more with other commodities like Cocoa, Soya beans and Sorghum. I am very glad we launched LAKE RICE today.”
The Special Adviser on Food Security, Mr. Ganiyu Okanlawon-Sanni had disclosed the process of purchasing the rice, noting that rice would be available for collection after payment at designated banks or through POS while an individual would only be allowed to buy one bag at a time to make the product reach vast majority of the people.
In Lagos East Senatorial District, Sanni said the rice would be available for sale at Odogunyan Farm Service Centre in Ikorodu; Temu Farm Service Centre in Epe; Naforiji Town Hall in Eredo; Magbon Alade School in Ibeju and SUBEB Premises in Maryland.
In Lagos West, the special adviser said the rice would be available for sale at LSADA Farm Service Centre, Oko-Baba in Agege; LAISA in Ojo; Coconut House in Mowo; Farm Service Centre, Marina in Badagry and Ikeja Grammar School in Oshodi.
In Lagos Central, the rice would be available for sale at Agric Area Office in Ajah; LASTMA Works Yard in Adeniji/Freeman, Lagos Island; Alakoto Senior High School, Tolu in Ajegunle; Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere and Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre (Rowe Park) in Yaba.
